Altona approves Sunday shopping

Altona councillors voted unanimously to give second and third reading to a motion that allows businesses of any size to be open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

First reading was given to the motion at a previous meeting, but since then, councillors said they hadn’t had any comments from the public. “We’ve had no feedback at all,” councillor Tim Fast said.

He explained the motion allows businesses to choose whether or not they want to remain open.

Councillor Ted Klassen agreed. “Sunday shopping is now left up to the individual business,” he said.

This motion does not allow businesses to open New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Canada Day, Labour Day or Christmas Day.

Altona & District Chamber of Commerce president Geoff Loewen said the issue of Sunday shopping hasn’t really been on their agenda.

“I personally haven’t heard much,” he said, adding he hasn’t been aware of any push to bring Sunday shopping to Altona.

Loewen agreed with councillors that businesses should be the ones who choose to stay closed or open on Sundays, explaining businesses will only open if they think it will be profitable and improve their bottom line.